Squier Vista Series Jagmaster, made in Japan 1997, vintage white. The Vista Series marked Squier's first real attempt at producing original models, instead of just releasing budget versions of equivalent Fenders. They were made in Japan very briefly from 1996-8 out of a then-new partnership with Tokai Gakki, before the whole thing was called off. There's a couple of wackier shapes in the series, but the Jagmaster is surely the easiest of the lot to love: take the classic Jag shape, add a HH pickup set, switch the complex offset trem for a simple Strat one, simplify the electronics to a 3-way switch and a master volume and tone, and you're away.  This one is a 'first run' example with the heel-end truss rod adjuster, with a neck dated April 1997. The neck on this is in great order and feels absolutely superb: it's a slim comfy C shape, short 24" scale, very light wear only, straight and stable and carved from some top notch tightly grained maple. The body is pretty lightweight an perfectly balanced, and being such a simple, sensible set of hardware, this feels amazingly fun and intuitive to play. Plugged in, I go straight for my best punk chuggs and riffs: it absolutely excels as a rhythm guitar owing to a rare balance of crisp attack and rounded fullness. If you're after an offset for grunge, punk or alternative stuff where you'll be playing big chords into a dirty amp, this is going to nail the brief. The vintage white finish is extra 'vintage' these days... it's mellowed to a creamy cheesecake soft yellow which pairs exquisitely with the tort guard and rosewood board. These were easier to score a few years back, but we haven't had one for ages... do yourself a favour and claim this partystarter while it's on offer.

Model: Squier Vista Series Jagmaster, first run
Made: Japan, Tokai factory, April 1997 (serial A006393)
Finish: vintage white, 4-ply red tort guard
Body: basswood
Neck: maple with rosewood board, 9.5" radius, 24" scale, slim C shape
Weight: 3.650kg
Mods: none
Pickups: original 'Duncan Designed' humbuckers
Case: none

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has some dimples on the end and some scuffs on the bottom edge. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor rub wear on the back only. The back has some scuffs above the cavity and some dimples below the cavity and along the back edge, no major marks. The sides have minor dimples on both horns, some scuffs in the elbow area and some dents and a pair of chips near the jack. The front has a couple of dimples near the jack, some scuffs in the elbow area and some standard play wear on the guard and horns. Overall: very good condition (8/10)

Playing condition notes: Action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electrics tested and working properly, truss rod also works. The frets have minor wear, 8/10 for fret life left. Wearing fresh 11/49 Moonshiners Strings.